Groaning under the weight of your bank balance?

rick_chasey

Then you're probably a stingy bastard.

Pokerface

Well obviously you don't get rich by giving it away!

shm_uk

"Everything else equal, the less wealth, education and employment status we have, the more charitable, generous, trusting and helpful we appear to become. In interactions with strangers, poorer people are more likely to use polite, attentive, respectful gestures."


As a generalisation, I'd agree.

Scientific research carried out by university boffins is all very interesting, but mainly just demonstrates that human behaviour can't be reduced down to some nice little equation...

Some of the most down-to-earth, friendly, hospitable and generous people I've ever met have had the least material wealth.

Having said that, the most materially wealthy person I've ever met was also impossibly generous.

So, surprise surprise, every 'rule' has an exception.

Or, as is more likely, maybe there is no 'rule' in the first place.

rick_chasey

The interesting bit is this.

He found that those who had been manipulated into thinking themselves relatively lower class performed significantly better than the other group. This suggests that far from being fixed, innate or learned, empathic abilities are effectively switched on or off involuntarily, according to context. When we begin to feel superior, we simultaneously become less empathic.

Obviously there are the usual 'scientific study being reported in a paper yada yada' caveats, but still.

Good fun.

Certainly explains the attitude some of my colleages have.

SteveR_100Milers

human beings who find themselves in a high-status position are more likely to believe that they can control their own destinies, able to use their power, authority or wealth independently to keep themselves safe and secure. Those further down the social pecking order are more vulnerable, and so more likely to need to co-operate to survive.

Unsurprising, and isn't that all you need to know?

Cleat Eastwood

Mmm a generalisation I'd say. I could show you poverty stricken working class scum of all colours and shades who can be both kind, generous and startlingly mean.

I also have a friend whos family are very wealthy indeed and they are the nicest people you could meet, it probably helps being scousers, no arrogance, no vanity and they are aware that their wealth can do good and so organise annual charity events.

Also on hols last year I got talking a millionaire couple and we had a great time, again they were just normal people with normal worries about their children and their futures.

I think it boils to peoples perceptions of the differening concepts of value and worth.....with a sprinkling of influence of ones upbringing.

guinea

It's all about the monkeysphere, innit.

MattC59

not stingy, just got broad shoulders...................